This is what first aid looks like | Hornet sting – So dangerous is it!

This is what first aid looks like

A special first aid for a hornet sting is usually not necessary, since in the vast majority of cases it subsides again without any treatment and is completely harmless. At first, one should therefore remain calm. A sting usually does not have to be removed after an insect bite, since the animal usually keeps it.

If a sting is still in the skin, it is removed carefully with tweezers. One should take care not to squeeze the sting together so that no further poison gets into the skin. Afterwards the puncture site should be cooled to relieve pain and swelling.

Urgent first aid measures are only necessary if the person concerned suffers from an insect venom allergy or if a sting in the throat causes breathing difficulties. In both cases it is also necessary to remain calm and to alert an emergency doctor. In the case of a person with a known allergy, emergency medication should be administered if necessary.

Treatment of a hornet sting

Although a hornet sting usually causes particularly severe pain, it is no more dangerous than a bee or wasp sting.A special therapy is therefore usually not necessary and even without any treatment the reaction to the hornet sting usually disappears within a few days without consequences. However, since symptoms such as itching, swelling and pain are often very pronounced, symptomatic treatment is recommended. The best way to alleviate all the symptoms mentioned is to cool the sting with an ice pack wrapped in a kitchen towel, for example.

In addition, the affected area should be elevated if possible. In addition, an ointment with an antipruritic agent from the pharmacy can be applied. Otherwise, scratching will delay healing.

A special therapy is only necessary in case of an allergic reaction or, if necessary, a sting in the area of the respiratory tract. There are various drugs available to stem the excessive reaction to the insect venom. There are various home remedies that can provide relief after a hornet sting by relieving pain and reducing swelling.

The possible home remedies are similar to those that can be used for insect bites in general. There are no special household remedies for hornet bites only. It has proven to be a good idea to place a freshly cut onion half on the affected area immediately after the bite.

An envelope with ice cubes also provides relief through cooling. Other possible household remedies that can be used for a hornet sting are curd cheese or clay, both of which are also best applied in the form of an envelope. The duration of a hornet sting is usually no longer than that of a wasp or bee sting, despite the usually particularly strong pain.

Usually within a week there is a significant reduction in swelling and a decrease in symptoms. In some cases it takes up to two weeks until the hornet sting has completely subsided. The prognosis is usually very good.

A hornet sting almost always heals without consequential damage. In some cases a small scar remains, which can happen especially if the sting is scratched open. In case of an allergy to insect bites the prognosis is different.

Often it remains for a lifetime. In some cases, however, it can be successfully treated with a special therapy. The course of the disease with a hornet sting is usually characterized by stronger pain than for example with a bee or wasp sting, but as with all insect bites it is limited in time and favourable.

The pain and swelling are usually strongest in the first days after the event and subside slowly. It may take up to two weeks for the sting to heal completely. The course of the disease can be influenced positively by various measures such as cooling and elevation.

Frequent scratching of the puncture site, on the other hand, delays healing. The diagnosis of a hornet sting can basically only be made if the person affected has been able to identify and observe a hornet as the cause of the sting. On the basis of the bite reaction itself, no statement can be made about the insect species that caused the bite.

Also other procedures like a blood test to diagnose a hornet bite are not possible and would be superfluous. The only diagnostic measure that could be useful in the event of a severe reaction to a hornet bite would be an allergy test for insect venoms.